Chapter 68: Sorry for Teasing You About Being Ugly (2)
Chapter 68: Sorry for Teasing You About Being Ugly (2)
‘Wow, it really is huge.’
The Royal Academy.
It was said to be an institution where the state poured a massive budget into nurturing all the talent of the Atronia Kingdom.
Every young noble dreamed of entering this academy. Simply getting in was enough to be recognized as a person of talent, and the moment one held a diploma in their hand, their life was practically guaranteed to change.
Stories of children from poor Baronial families graduating with honors, becoming sons-in-law to high-ranking nobles, and rising to success were common occurrences in aristocratic circles.
That was how high the Academy’s prestige was.
Students entering such a place usually had their hearts fluttering with anticipation, their faces flushed as they took in the sights, but…
“Whoa… look at that training ground equipment. They just poured money into it. Poured it! Why set up so much equipment just to teach some brats?”
‘What is wrong with this guy?’
The guard acting as their guide looked at Patrick with an expression of utter disbelief.
“How much would it cost just to put up buildings on a lot this size in the capital? Ugh… they should’ve just given that money to me. This is all a waste. A waste. Honestly, the things politicians do…”
“……”
In over ten years of working as an Academy guard, he had seen countless students, but never one like this.
“Are you, by any chance, applying for the Administration Department?”
If he were an administration major, this bottomless interest in money might be somewhat understandable. However…
“Administration? Probably not. Me?”
After a moment of thought, Patrick turned to April.
“Hey, what department am I applying for?”
“The Knight Department, Young Master.”
“Ah, she says it’s that.”
“You didn’t even know which department you were in?”
“Hehehe. It happens, you know. People forget.”
“……”
No, it didn’t just "happen."
How could it make sense for a student who entered the Academy through fierce competition to not even know their own department?
‘They said it was a special admission… did he pay his way in? No, I’ve never even heard of the Schneider Baron’s family. What kind of money would they have to buy a spot in the Academy?’
One often heard rumors of students entering the Academy through immense wealth or power.
To put it bluntly, the kind of kids who got in by donating a library or completely replacing the equipment on the parade grounds.
But those kids usually had an even stronger obsession with the Academy. Since they paid a fortune to get in, wouldn't they want to enjoy the privileged status of being an Academy student at any cost? And yet…
“Wow, now that I look closer, every single streetlamp is a magic tool. They really do have money to burn.”
This guy didn't seem to have a shred of wonder—no, not even the slightest bit of expectation—for the Academy.
‘How did a person like this manage to get admitted?’
* * *
Andrea Mayvers Cardios.
As the former head of the Cardios family—the only Ducal house in the Atronia Kingdom—he was originally the Kingdom’s Chancellor.
However, after turning ninety and passing his title and position to his son, he was now serving as the Chancellor of the Academy.
At an age where anyone else would have retired to live out their remaining years in comfort, he took on the role of Academy Chancellor, declaring he would do whatever he could for the kingdom’s future until the moment he died.
A voice drifted in from outside his office.
“Chancellor, a guest has arrived to see you.”
“Mm, tell them to come in.”
When the door opened and the figure entered, Former Duke Cardios stood up with a bright smile.
“Hahaha! Welcome. So you are the Patrick Schneider I’ve heard so much about. The sword prodigy that Count Parmas in the East couldn't stop praising.”
Count Parmas had already sent a separate introduction regarding Patrick.
Sending just a letter of recommendation for admission could lead to misunderstandings about favoritism. Therefore, he had at least given Chancellor Cardios a brief summary of Patrick’s abilities.
“I heard that despite your young age, you wield a sword like a demon and even captured a Dark Mage who appeared in the East. That was a magnificent feat.”
At those words, Patrick responded with a rare display of polite etiquette.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
It was unusual for Patrick to be this respectful. Even considering it was their first meeting and the man was the decision-maker for this wealthy Academy, this was a very exceptional occurrence. However…
“Ahem! Where does a servant get the nerve to butt into a conversation so recklessly?”
“…Huh?”
“No matter how proud you are of your master, do you not even know basic etiquette? This is not your place to speak.”
“…Huh?”
Then, Former Duke Cardios looked at April, who was standing behind Patrick, and said with a beaming smile:
“Not only are you skilled with the sword, but you are also quite the handsome young man. Hahaha. Thanks to you, the female students of the Academy will have quite the eye candy. Indeed.”
“Ahem, Chancellor.”
“Oh, go ahead and speak.”
“I am the butler, Ace, who has accompanied the Young Master as his attendant.”
“…Butler? Oh… now that I look…”
Only then did Former Duke Cardios take a proper look at the clothes April was wearing.
It was clearly a neatly tailored butler’s uniform. Because the face was so handsome, it hadn't registered, but this was indeed a butler’s outfit—and the guy standing next to him with the grumpy expression was the one wearing noble attire. If that was the case…
“Are you Patrick Schneider?”
“Yeeeees.”
“Not the servant?”
“Nope.”
“Hahahaha…”
“……”
“Why on earth do you look like…”
“……”
‘Hyun-ah. I’m really, really sorry.’
Patrick found himself desperately missing his friend from his past life.
Once the brief misunderstanding was cleared up, Former Duke Cardios and Patrick sat down across from each other.
“Hahaha. My apologies. But it wasn’t entirely my fault. Wouldn't anyone make the same mistake looking at the two of you?”
“What a loooovely apology. Truly.”
“Still, I am the Chancellor of the Academy. This level of humility from me is quite exceptional, don't you think?”
“……”
Patrick’s lip pouted out several inches.
‘If it weren't for his position—no, if he weren't an old man who looks like he’d fall over if I just poked him—I’d have charged right at him…’
No matter how reckless Patrick was, he couldn't exactly grab the collar of an old man who might die if he hit him and give him a good shaking.
“So, now that I’ve greeted the Chancellor, can I go now?”
“Well, yes, but… you are quite peculiar.”
“What is?”
“Do you know who I am?”
“A retired old man.”
“……”
Well, he wasn't wrong. It was true.
Since he had passed both his Dukedom and the Chancellorship to his son, he was indeed a retired old man. But still…
“That’s a fresh perspective. I’ve never heard that before.”
Even though he was retired, Patrick was the first person to ever say it to his face. Patrick was treating him—the man who once held the second-highest position in the country and was the former head of the only Ducal house—with absolutely no reservation.
“Ahem, let’s get to the point. First, how old did you say you were?”
“Fifteen.”
“According to Count Parmas, your realm is quite high.”
“Well, something like that.”
“What star level? If you’re entering the Academy mid-term at that age, you must be at least 3-Star, right?”
“A bit higher than that.”
“Hahaha. Really? Then 4-Star?”
“Higher.”
“No way. Are you trying to tell me you’re 5-Star? At your age?”
“Keep going.”
“Hahaha. 6-Star? You?”
Former Duke Cardios laughed as if it were absurd. Then, he pointed to April standing behind Patrick.
“Why don't you just say your butler back there is 6-Star instead?”
“You have a good eye.”
At Patrick’s nonchalant reply, Former Duke Cardios shook his head and said, “At my age, there’s no greater pleasure than seeing spirited young people.”
“I haven't lived to that age yet, so I wouldn't know…”
“However.”
Former Duke Cardios cut him off, his gaze turning stern.
“There is a difference between being spirited and simply being full of bluster and rudeness. Do you understand that?”
“Why take the long way around to say it?”
Patrick said, picking his ear with his pinky.
“In the end, I just have to prove whether I’m the real deal or not, right?”
“That is true.”
“Then it’s settled. Just set me up with anyone. I’ll prove it.”
“Hooo…”
“You’ll have to do a skills test anyway to decide which year to place me in, won't you?”
“No, as for the placement, you must obviously start as a 1st year.”
“Huh? Why?”
This time, it was Patrick who was flustered.
“You’ve only just entered, haven't you? It’s only natural to start from the 1st year.”
“That’s insane. Seriously? Me? From the 1st year?”
He had heard it was a mid-term admission, but he hadn't heard he’d be starting from the very beginning.
He heard the Knight Department was a five-year course, so he had planned to enter as a 3rd or 4th year and graduate quickly.
But entering as a 1st year?
Even if he advanced every year without failing, he’d have to be stuck here for five years?
“Wow, if I’d just sat here without knowing, I would’ve been totally fucked.”
“Young Master. You must watch your language in front of the Chancellor.”
“Why? Why should I?”
To Patrick, who didn't think being the Chancellor was any reason to mind his speech, April said:
“I will tell Madam.”
“I shall use only the most refined and beautiful words.”
Patrick folded instantly.
Former Duke Cardios watched Patrick intently and said, “To be honest, I was planning on conducting a skills test.”
“Even if I win, I still have to start as a 1st year, right?”
“But an evaluation must be done. If your skills are lacking, I could refuse your admission entirely.”
The moment he heard that, Patrick’s eyes sparkled.
“Wait, Grandpa Chancellor. Hold on a second.”
“Hmm? What did you say?”
Former Duke Cardios was hearing many things today that he had never heard in his entire life.
Grandpa Chancellor?
He never imagined the day would come when he’d hear such a novel title. It was said so naturally that instead of getting angry, he just felt hollow.
Patrick said to the stunned Chancellor:
“So, in other words, if my skills are pathetic, I can’t get into the Academy. Is that it?”
“That’s right.”
“…Which means…”
“It means your admission hasn't been finalized yet. Are you starting to feel a sense of crisis now?”
“Hahaha… Haha…”
He didn't feel a sense of crisis. Instead…
‘Count Parmas, you incompetent, stupid man. You talked about recommendations and all that, but you don't even have any power?’
He felt pure annoyance.
* * *
The Academy’s Knight Department.
In the training grounds there, students were diligently swinging their swords today as well.
“Hah!”
“Haa-ap!”
Iron swords, specially made to be heavy for training, cut through the air, drawing clean lines.
Even though they were 1st years who had just entered, their skills seemed above average.
“Number 35, your lower body balance is collapsing!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Number 47, your eyes aren't following your sword. Get your head in the game!”
“I’m sorry!”
The upperclassmen acting as instructors supervised the 1st-year freshmen one by one, correcting their postures.
Amidst this diligent training, the professor in charge of the class watched the students with sharp eyes.
‘This year’s level is just mediocre. Tsk, at this rate…’
These were freshmen who had each beaten out hundreds of competitors to be selected.
But they didn't meet the professor’s standards. They weren't bad. If trained sincerely, they would become knights who could pull their weight.
But considering the budget the kingdom poured into the Academy and the goals they had to achieve, this was far from enough.
‘Talent isn't enough. We need a genius. Otherwise…’
Just then, the professor noticed people entering the training grounds.
A youth who still looked young, and a handsome man in a neatly dressed butler’s uniform. And…
“Chancellor. You’ve come?”
“Mm, sorry for the intrusion, Professor Late.”
There stood the Chancellor of the Academy, Former Duke Cardios.
“I apologize for coming by so suddenly during your class.”
“Not at all. But what is your business?”
To Professor Late, who got straight to the point, Former Duke Cardios said with a smile:
“I’ve come regarding the transfer student I mentioned before.”
“Ah. That one… the one recommended from the East? Is it this child?”
He glanced at Patrick as he spoke.
“Yes, he performed a great service in the East this time and received a recommendation from Count Parmas.”
“I heard he caught a Dark Mage. He must have been lucky.”
At the blunt remark, Former Duke Cardios gave a bitter smile.